How long can one live with Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive disease that affects brain functions and gradually leads to dementia. For both the affected and their relatives, questions are often raised about the course of the disease and the life expectancy after diagnosis. Although each case is individual, there are certain factors that can give an idea of the typical course of the disease and how long one can live with Alzheimer’s.
Typical lifespan after diagnosis
The lifespan of a person with Alzheimer’s disease varies, but on average, most people live between 8 and 10 years after diagnosis. However, some can live longer, up to 20 years, while others suffer a more rapid course. How long someone lives with Alzheimer’s depends on factors such as age at diagnosis, general health, and other medical conditions.
Factors affecting lifespan
- Age at diagnosis: Younger people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s often live longer, while older people may experience a more rapid course due to generally poorer health and risk of more complications.
- General health and lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle of physical activity, balanced diet and social interaction can contribute to better brain health and in some cases delay the development of symptoms.
- Medical care and support: Regular medical follow-up and support efforts can improve the quality of life and to some extent delay the course of the disease. Many care programs focus on cognitive stimulation and physical activity, which can be positive for both the sufferer and their relatives.
Phases of Alzheimer’s and their time course
Alzheimer’s disease is often divided into three phases – early, moderate and severe – which can vary in length depending on the individual.
- Early stage: This stage often lasts a few years and is characterized by milder memory loss and difficulty in everyday activities.
- Moderate stage: During this phase, symptoms worsen and the person may need more extensive help with daily activities.
- Severe stage: In the final phase, the person often needs around-the-clock assistance and may experience extensive physical and cognitive impairments. This stage can last for several years before the disease becomes life-threatening.
Quality of life despite the disease
Despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, there is much one can do to maintain quality of life. An important part is social and emotional support, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Regular contact with loved ones, stimulating activities and customized care play a major role in well-being.
Personal alarms with GPS positioning that work outdoors can be of great help
Sensorem’s personal alarm can be an important aid in dementia as it works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area.
Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling
Sensorem’s safety alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The security alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The security alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.
